Maranatha, February 7, 2010

“Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending”
Maria Robinson, Writer

We had an amazing lesson today taught by Dr. Brandon Scott, Darbeth Professor of New Testament, Phillips Theological Seminary; the title of his lesson was “Resurrection: A Quiz”. Following the late service, our Maranatha “Group of 8” lunched together, and we were still energized by Professor Scott’s words to us. If you weren’t able to be in class today, visit our website, http://maranathaclass.org, and go to Class Recordings where you can hear (or re-hear) Dr. Scott’s presentation. The podcast will probably be posted in the next day or so. And, while you’re at the website, sign up (subscribe); we hope to begin using this site even more in the future as a communication tool for the class.
Today, we recognized birthdays: Art Campbell (2/7), Sherry Stinson (2/70), Karey Low (2/8), Jerry LeDoux (2/11), and Kate Thomas (2/12); and anniversaries: the Maldonados and Worthingtons. Celebrate!
Refreshments and greetings were provided by Lynn and Bob Russell as well as Judith and Ed Payton. There were several announcements, the Chili Supper is February 21st (contact Suzy or Denny Meredith-Orr) and the Valentine’s Dinner is February 12th (contact Pam Sherman). Joys and Concerns were expressed by members. Concerns were shared for Dr. Biggs and his family regarding the death of his Mother last Thursday evening, also Pam’s friend, Terry, who has untreatable brain cancer, and Mary’s friend in the Marines. Carol told us that she is now 10 years cancer-free, a great Joy for her and all of us who call Carol our friend.
We welcomed several visitors, and introduced Patti and Gary Smith as new members. If you know Patti and Gary (or even if you don’t know them), contact our new members this week to let them know how happy we are to have them join our group.
Next week, Rob Reck, our resident “composer” and musician extraordinaire, will share his report to the class on his trip to London where his musical work was debuted last year. It always a great class when Rob is our teacher. Join us; invite others!
Have a great week!

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents

Published in: on February 9, 2010 at 11:29 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, February 7, 2010  
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Maranatha, January 31, 2010

“Faith and doubt both are needed – not as antagonists, but working side by side to take us around the unknown curve”
Lillian Smith, Author

I arrived about 9:10am this morning not know who or how many people to expect for our Brunch Sunday given the weather conditions.  Already, there were about a half-dozen dropping off food and helping arrange the room with tablecloths and other essentials for the morning.  By 9:40, we had a room filled with Maranatha Class members and several guests including Gary and Patti Smith as well as Suzanne Hood.  A prayer was given by Keith Madden before we  “jumped in” on the many food dishes brought by members.  It was delicious!
Two birthdays are coming up in the next week; they are for Paul Giessen (2/2) and Dave Been (2/5).  No anniversaries nor any joys or concerns were shared with the group.  Barbara Meehan and Karen Campbell described our new website, explaining its many functions.  Over the next couple of months, we will be transitioning from regular E-mail announcements to use of the website.  You should expect to be receiving only as many notices as you have in the past, but you will now have the option to go the website to view information of interest, including speakers over the next month, mission opportunities with explanations of where and what, the social calendar, and who has signed up to serve as Greeters and prepare refreshments for each Sunday.  Caranatha will have its own link on the site and will be a means for you to keep in touch with the needs of fellow Class members.  Thanks, Barbara, for designing the site and agreeing to serve as our webmaster.  And, thanks, Karen for organizing the Caranatha link/service.  If you have questions about the website, contact Barbara; if you have questions or needs associated with Caranatha, contact Karen.
Over the next four Sundays (February), we have a great lineup of speakers/teachers: Professor  Brandon Scott (February 7th), Mr. Rob Reck (February 14th), Ms. Debbie Petersen (February 21st), and Reverend Marsha Petersen (February 28th).  More descriptive information will be forwarded to you and available on the website.
At the late service, my mother-in-law and I (Meredith is out of town) sat next to several people visiting our Church from Catoosa.  Steve and Doris Dixon along with their adult daughter, Olivia, indicated on the Registration that they were visitors and were interested in joining  the Church.  Immediately after the service, I ask if they were ready to join today, and they said “yes”.   So, I introduced them to Reverend Crowell, and Bill took it from there.  I also invited them to visit the Maranatha Class next Sunday, and will give them a call this week to reinforce my invitation to them.  We hope to see you next week, and I challenge each of you to bring one or more guests to hear Professor Scott.  I also ask that you keep doing the great job that we do in welcoming visitors to our class, and inviting visitors to return trips.
Have a marvelous week!

Richard Wansley (and Meredith Davison)
Presidents

Published in: on February 6, 2010 at 9:14 am  Comments Off on Maranatha, January 31, 2010  
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Maranatha, January 24, 2010

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies.”
Mother Teresa

A classroom filled with Maranatha members and visitors; it was a great Sunday! Thanks to all who were there earlier today. We missed all those who were unable to attend; see you soon!

We celebrated several birthdays, including those of Thad Leonard (1/25), Rob Morgan (1/26), Judy Herriman (1/28), Brenda Spencer (1/29), Sarah Maldonado (1/30), and Susan Rose (1/30). No anniversaries were noted for the week. Karen and Olin Holmes, Nancy and Jerry Manduano were our Greeters, and they brought great refreshments, making it difficult to get people away from the table and in their seats.

We were blessed by the presence of several visitors, some new and others returning to the class: Patti and Gary Smith, Autumn Smith, and Catherine Cooper. Welcome; we hope to see you back again in the near future.

Suzy Meredith-Orr reported that a number of class members helped put together kits for Haitians that included hand towels, wash cloth, combs, nail file, bandages, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Over 50 kits were assembled by the volunteers last Friday evening; and, a number of other class members assembled kits at home, bringing them to the Church this morning. A job well done!

Suzy also announced that we will have another mission opportunity this Wednesday evening to prepare and serve a meal at the Day Center for the Homeless. Over a dozen people have agreed to help, but you are welcome to contact Suzy if you wish to volunteer even if you haven’t already signed up for this opportunity.

Pam Sherman reminded us that the next social event is a Valentine’s Dinner at Ti Amo on Friday, February 12th; contact Pam if you are interested and have not already signed up for this activity.

Several concerns were shared with us this morning, including a friend of Pam whose had a recurrence of a brain tumor, the father of Meredith’s work associate who is not responding to treatment following heart surgery, and for Richard, a recently released offender who, after serving many years in prison, faces the challenge of readjusting to the world outside. Janet Purinton offered our prayer today.

We were blessed by the teaching of Darlene Tegeler who reviewed a book by Reverend Dr. James Moore, entitled “Seize the Moment”. Her presentation gave us much to think about and act on for how we behave and respond to “moments” in our life, both big and small, in which we can practice our faith. “Seize the Moment”, perhaps a motto for us, individually and as a class!

There were several announcements that did not make it into the agenda this morning:
· The “New Life Divorce Support Group”, an 8 week group for those who are separated, divorced, or going through divorce, will be facilitated by Linda Algeria, LCSW, beginning February 3, Wednesday, 6pm to 7:30pm. A fee of $40 will cover all 8 weeks. Call Linda at 970-6765 to enroll in the group.
· As pointed out by Dr. Biggs in the Church’s service, members of the Frontiers Class will facilitate a series of lessons on “Financial Peace” using the material created by Dave Ramsey and his Financial Peace University. Interested? Contact Reverend Bill Crowell, 699-0127.
· We received a “thank you” and an accounting for the Class’ $100 donation to Restore Hope Ministries.

Next week is our Brunch, an informal pot-luck gathering of members and visitors largely for the purpose of informal conversation. A brief presentation will be provided by Barbara Meehan who has been developing our new Class website. She will explain the site’s capacity, how to use it, and give us a live demonstration. It’s great, a one-stop, Internet-based vehicle to discover Maranatha news, events, and opportunities to serve!

We hope to have Rob Reck, a fellow Class member, give us a report on his exciting trip to London during our session on the first Sunday in February. Definitely something to look forward to!!

Have a wonderful week; “seize the moment”!

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents

Published in: on January 25, 2010 at 7:22 am  Comments Off on Maranatha, January 24, 2010  
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Maranatha, January 17, 2010

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Martin Luther King, Jr.

Dear Friends,

We had yet another great class earlier today, with many of our class members able to attend.  For those of you who could not be present with us, we missed you, and hope to see you soon in class!

We acknowledged several people who will be having birthdays this week, including Martha Blevins (January 21st), Joyce Justice (January 21st), and Pam Snodgrass (January 22nd); the Jennings, Teri and Mark, will celebrate an anniversary (January 18th).  Happy Birthday and Anniversary to you!

Our Greeters who also provided refreshments were Skip and Paula Scott as well as Allene and Rex Donley.  Thank you!

We had some visitors, Amanda and Matt DeDonder, Patti and Gary Smith, and Meriel P. Evans.  Welcome, come again, join our class!

Bob Russell and Meredith Davison Wansley reported on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative events being held today and tomorrow (Monday).  Boston Avenue Church is a main sponsor of these events, and Bob is a member of the MLK Board of Directors.  Later today, a march will be held leading from downtown to Boston Avenue Church where a worship service will be held for all who attend the march as well as others wishing only to attend the service.  Bob, Meredith, and many other Maranatha class members will participate in these events.

Denny Meredith-Orr reported on an opportunity for class members to help with the relief effort for the those in Haiti.  The class will sponsor purchase of supplies to package for the United Methodist Commission on Relief (UMCOR) to distribute to needy Haitians.  Further, we will also be putting the package together at some point in the next week.  The supplies are simple, but essential, items such as toothbrushes, wash clothes, bandages, and other items.  Allene Donley stepped up by offering to provide the toothbrushes.  We’ll be putting together about 50 packages.  Denny will contact you about the time and date for when and where you can come to help out with this effort.  If you wish to contact him or Suzy, please use the following E-mail: odms2(at)yahoo.com.

Pam Sherman reminded us that the February social will be a Valentine’s Dinner held at Tia Amo, the restaurant’s Southside location, February 12th.  Contact Pam if you are interested in more information or signing up: psherman(at)cityoftulsa.org.  Please remember that this is an “everybody” event, not just a “couples” event;  you’re all “sweethearts”!!

Several class members expressed concerns, for David and his son Eddie, the family of Jerry who died earlier this week, Karl, the employees of the City who face layoffs and furloughs, and Dee Copeland.  Please let Karen Campbell or Barbara Meehan know if you have concerns that should be shared to the class before next Sunday or if you feel there is a need for “care”.  Our class prayer was given by Scott Morgan.

The Reverend Ken Tobler was our teacher today, and we were blessed by his continued presentation to us regarding the unique way that Jesus told his stories as lessons for our faith and life.  Next week, our teacher will be the Reverend Debbie Peterson, followed on January 31st by a Brunch where we will hear about our class’s new website.

Blessings to all,

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison
Presidents

*Note that you will need to type email addresses into an email program substituting “@” for “(at).” I have edited email addresses so that recipients will not pick up additional spam from autobots that might be searching our posts. Also, for contact information, you can find our newest roster on the Class Member Page. -brm

Published in: on January 18, 2010 at 1:06 am  Comments Off on Maranatha, January 17, 2010  
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Maranatha, January 10, 2010

“Without faith, nothing is possible; with it (faith), nothing is impossible”

Mary McLeod Bethune

Thank you for your acceptance of Meredith and me as your Presidents in 2010.  We are excited about the new year and the ability to work with magnificent people who are serving as other offices for our Class.

Earlier today, we had a large number of Class members who heard a lesson given by Reverend Ken Tobler; Ken will continue to “surprise, shock, and, perhaps, offend” us next week as he continues his teaching.  If you weren’t able to attend this week, we’ll be looking for you next week.

We recognized several members who are having birthdays in the next several days, including David Rose, Jim Seymour, and David Worthington. No anniversaries this week.

Refreshments and greetings were provided by Debbie and Neal Pascoe as well as Jennifer Hall.

Several concerns were raised for others, including Noel Copeland; a friend, Chuck, who lost his wife; Jim’s friend (Charlie Snow) who died, Charlie’s wife and daughter; Kim who lost her son.  The prayer was delivered by Shari Goodwin.

Announcements highlighted the Dinners (or, better named, “Meals”) for 8 (contact Pam Sherman for more information).  Pam also is planning a February social as a “Valentine’s Dinner” at Ti Amo on February 12th (again, contact Pam if you are interested).  Shari Goodwin solicited volunteers to participate in a Focus Group on the “church/denomination and HIV/AIDS”.  Contact Shari if you are interested in being a part of this Group.  Denny and Suzy Meredith-Orr reminded us that our next mission opportunity is January 27, helping at the Day Center for the Homeless.  Let Denny or Suzy know if you are willing to participate and have not yet signed up for this activity.

We had visitors this morning, Carol and Dave Grim, and Beth Lyons.  We encouraged them to return next week; look for them and welcome them!

If you have any Caranatha announcements or requests for help from our very giving class, contact either Karen Campbell or Barbara Meehan, or me.

You are welcome to get in touch with me at any time.  Use the E-mail, richard.wansley(at)okstate.edu,* or call me on my cell phone, 918/520-8787.

By Later this month, we hope to announce the opening of a new Maranatha Class website/blog that will be a “one-stop” communication tool for the class. At that time, communicating needs, your thoughts, mission opportunities, and social events will all be possible through this site. Our thanks to Barbara Meehan for her dedicated work on this project.  Until that time, however, please use our individual E-mail addresses, and, of course, telephone numbers.

Have a terrific week!

Richard Wansley and Meredith Davison

*Note that you will need to type Richard’s email address into an email substituting “@” for “(at).” I have edited his email address so that he will not pick up additional spam from autobots that might be searching our posts. Also, for contact information, you can find our newest roster on the Class Member Page. -brm

Published in: on January 10, 2010 at 7:30 pm  Comments Off on Maranatha, January 10, 2010  
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